decisions, decisions

I'm back in the community after two full days on the farm. Two new apprentices started working this week and I am noticing and enjoying the changes in energy, dispersion of work and the new stories Solei and Brian bring with them. It's also always good for me to be reminded of where my food comes from. We are especially cognizant this week as much of the day-labor farming and construction projects around the country were cleared out during Day With No Immigrants. On the farm we do a lot of the hand/back labor we associate with undocumented workers. It's tough, often tougher than I like during my "weekends" spent away from l'Arche. As Jake reminds me, most of the time we're only cheating the curse because others are bearing its brunt.

We also spent a long time last night talking through some of the issues surrounding our wedding registries. The primary question was around supporting Ten Thousand Villages. TTV is a store which sells fair trade international gifts. They support local artisans and ultimately provide income for the communities where they live. It also happens to be the main vehicle of financial support for MCC, the Mennonite Central Committee, the primary arm of Mennonite mission in the world.

But supporting Ten Thousand Villages with our money is complicated. Because all their products are imported the store uses more than its share of petroleum shipping to the U.S. from India, Asia and Africa. We know that the environmental impacts of importation are devistating. And what about local economies? Would we rather support local bsuinesses and craftspeople?

The challenge is to balance sustainability, local production, organically grown products and charitably supportive purchasing. Unfortunately sometimes, most times, we have to chose between. It seems like every decision has three more behind it. It's hard to imagine doing all these things well, how to be and live like Christ. We're trying but we could certainly use some prayer, advice and encouragement along the way....